Following Galus Australis’ transition away from an online magazine to a Facebook based community group, the site was to be taken offline (on Friday 11 December).
However, as that date became closer, we received several requests …

By Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
In his Tractatus Theologico-Politicus, Benedictus Spinoza (17th century), the famous Jewish ‘philosopher apostate’, launches one of his most outspoken attacks on Judaism. Not mincing words, he accuses it of demanding obsessive …

By Manny Waks
The Commonwealth Royal Commission Inquiry into child sexual abuse within organisations has now commenced. Tzedek, an Australian-based advocacy group for Jewish victims and survivors of child sexual abuse, is uniquely positioned to provide …

By Anthony Frosh
Howard Sattler’s questions to Prime Minister Julia Gillard yesterday, concerning the sexuality of her partner, were plainly reprehensible. And it does not matter what one’s feelings or inclinations are toward the Gillard Prime …

By Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
We are living in an age of flaunting irreverence. Debunking has become the norm and wherever we turn we experience a need to reveal the clay feet of even the greatest. Human …

By Ann Birrell
In the 1970s, Australians welcomed nearly 100,000 Vietnamese refugees.
In the 1980s, I was in one of my first jobs as a lawyer, as a Federal Court Judge’s Associate to Sir Reginald Smithers. When hearing …

It is on Argyle Street in the centre of the city, because way back in 1842, Judah Solomon, a local Jewish activist and philanthropist offered land that he owned on that street for the purposes of a Jewish place of worship following a meeting that decided one should be built.

By Anthony Frosh
You might have already seen this video. After all, it has already been shared on social media a fair bit, and received a very positive reception.
On the surface, it might not sound that …

By Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
I’m Taking Off My Kippah
Don’t be shocked. But I need to be honest. I am contemplating taking off my kippah. No, do not worry. I have no intention of becoming irreligious, or …

By Diane Levy
If only they’d do as they are told… I’d be a much nicer parent!
Although, I’ve been counselling and coaching parents for the last thirty years, this week has been a challenge-in-the-field. I, together …

By Anthony Frosh
The Community Security Group (CSG) performs an important function for the Jewish community. In the current state of global affairs, the role of the CSG has become more vital than ever. The vast …

Here’s what you need to read about before Shabbes….
1) Osher on moustaches
2) Timmy being awesome at Jewish Care
3) Women destroying the (rabbinic) joint
4) Yaron on paranoia
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1) From the inimitable Osher Gutnick:
‘I dropped in on mum on the …

By Alex Fein:
Hi all.
I’m back, taking over from Bracha, for another tour of duty as editor at this Melbourne Jewish institution.
Over the years, Galus has provided its readers with news, debate, and stories about Jewish …